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Fibromyagia

Just got diagnosed with this today and given a leaflet and told I should go to a chronic pain clinic
As I'm a carer for 3 young adults with Autism and other mental health issues I'm really worried how will I cope also have Copd, angina and lots of other health problems.
Any advice much appreciated
As I'm a carer for 3 young adults with Autism and other mental health issues I'm really worried how will I cope also have Copd, angina and lots of other health problems.
Any advice much appreciated
Replies
I sometimes wonder how helpful diagnosis are... and also how much the person giving it to you has taken into account that you clearly have a LOT on your plate caring for 3 young adults with Autism and other health issues of your own?
I wonder how much respite and support you have been getting and whether a lack of respite/support has exacerbated your own health problems and brought you to this point?
It's interesting that now you have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia that you are now worried about how you will cope and yet yesterday when you no doubt had the symptoms you didn't have this doubt... that's what I mean by the helpfulness of a diagnosis, sometimes don't exactly inspire hope.
My guess is that you are a resilient type of person, who has coped, but that now you might find it helpful to start to look at your own care needs to alleviate some of the stress and strain of the role you have - counselling [by a counsellor who knows about fibro] and mindfulness could help.
It is not uncommon for people who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia to have had a difficult background/upbringing that hasn't been dealt with effectively and then in later life they develop the condition; this may or may not be relevant to you but if it is you may find this website helpful: www.wellwise4me.com
I really hope you can put some support and treatment in place for YOU, particularly as you have 3 people who are dependent on you.
Good luck and best wishes.
Emma
www.emmawestcounselling.co.uk
No Ive not had any respite. My oldest does look after them at times so I get a bit of a break.
I was actually worried as this pain has floored me. I guess I thought I would get the results of all the tests and it would be sorted. Wishful thinking..
Been doing so much as am all 3 s appointee and the appointments paperwork stress is never ending. The youngest is the hardest and been excluded so only going to evening school for 2/3 hours so not long enough for me to recharge.
But yes I need to take care of myself to be able to care for them.
Thanks for your reply
It sounds like your body is trying to tell you something... there's a really good book [bit wordy but good!] called The Body Keeps the Score - talking about how our emotional distress can manifest in bodily symptoms [not just fibromyalgia but all sorts of other medical problems too e.g. IBS].
Have you tried reaching out to specialist organisations such as Contact a Family or the National Autistic Society to see if they have any suggestions as to support / local support?
It sort of feels like you're body has hit a brick wall and is in need a bit of a hand getting over it somehow...
If you have a supportive GP they should [?] know of avenues of support, unfortunately some are not that clued up which is why the organisation route can be better.
Best wishes.
Emma
www.emmawestcounselling.co.uk
Yes I'm going to look and see what support help if any I can get until we get this pain under control. Problem is all is so under funded its a battle in its self and at the moment I can't be doing with that.
Thanks again
I just wanted to let you know that your not alone. I am struggling a lot too I have fibromyalgia and ME and two children one is 5 with autism and other is 4 they are a handful .
I've had fibromyalgia for about two years now and I would say just do research on ways that can help like a tens machine. You have to find what works for you as everyone is different.
Best wishes and if you ever need a chat I'm right here 😀 x
No unfortunately my family don't live anywhere near me. My biggest frustration is having to get help just putting my jacket on. Made some phone calls today but don't meet the criteria as funding is so low.
I'm used to it being just me and my kids they are hard work at times but make me smile they are happy having take aways as I've not been able to cook.
Do you find you can be saying something then just go blank?
It's actully rather scary